Glasgow Whisky Guide

With so much to occupy your time and astound your senses, Glasgow will thrill you from your first encounter. Of course you might need more than one day to experience all the sights, sounds and of course tastes that this lively, fun-loving city has to offer however at Holiday Inn Express Glasgow we wish you the finest stay possible.

For spots to savour smooth, warming whisky in Glasgow you are spoilt for choice. Knowing where to go for the best atmosphere while sipping a single malt in Glasgow is all important so here is our guide to the best whisky pubs in Glasgow.

The Pot Still

154 Hope StGlasgowG2 2TH

A truer whisky bar in Glasgow you will not find, even for the most erudite of whisky enthusiasts, The Pot Still is an institution. Named after the traditional whisky stills, this pub evokes all the warmth and character associated the best highlands and island malts. It is rightly the first stop on any 'fan of the firewater' pilgrimage in Glasgow.

How does a selection of over 300 beautiful malts sound? Thought so, hundreds of locals, tourists and interested newcomers think exactly the same. However don't think for one minute you'll be left to your own devices when trying to narrow down a dram from that outstanding selection, The Pot Still's staff are true whisky connoisseurs. No matter how busy, excellent advice awaits to help you chose the perfect whisky for your palate. A passionate explanation is offered for every option of sumptuous, smoky delights sitting on the gantry.

A proper pub, The Pot Still doesn't do flashy, trendy or popular but it for a whisky lover it does everything right. The only downside is you knowing you'll have to leave eventually.

The Scotia

112 Stockwell StreetGlasgowG1 4LW

Look out for this cosy traditional Scottish pub, The Scotia is complete with rich, red leather seats, dark wood panelling and low ceilings. Dripping in character and atmosphere, if the fantastic selection of malts doesn't tempt you to stop by, the friendly, jovial regulars certainly will.

Situated on one of the first four streets of Glasgow City, The Scotia has claims to be the oldest pub in town, wetting the whistle of sailors and passers-by since 1792. Today the atmosphere has aged like any good whisky and speaking of good whisky, The Scotia is awash with a great selection of liquid gold. Ask to try the malt of the month to discover a new favourite, the perfect drop to savour as you and the locals to help out the live folk band sing the night away.

The wee pub at The Ubiquitous Chip

8-12 Ashton LaneGlasgowG12 8SJ

Fashion, food...and fashionable food, Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow is better known for spacious, chic bars in which to enjoy a cocktail or two. The aptly named Wee Pub takes a slightly different approach. Right beside the Hillhead Subway Station is this small, and we do mean small gem of a whisky pub. If you're not paying attention you could quite easily walk right by.

However you'll be sure to be charmed into stopping by for a dram or two, with over 150 varieties available, it will take you a few visits to get through them all. By no means a bad thing, the Wee Pub's classy, quaint and very friendly atmosphere is just the place to chat, relax and forget the world for a few hours.

Òran Mór

Top of Byres RoadGlasgowG12 8QX

A trip to Òran Mór is worth-while simply because of the beautiful structure itself. What was once a Parish Church, the stunning and unique arts and entertainment venue continues to be a popular haunt for people from all walks of life. It's also one of the finest settings in Glasgow to enjoy a warming whisky.

Òran Mór translates from Gaelic as "great melody of life" or "big song" which couldn't be truer for the much loved Whisky Bar. Accompanying the 250 variants of malts, more than enough for any whisky lover, is the vibrant, informal atmosphere. The best time to stop by is during the afternoon or early evening hours, when songs from the lovely, live folk band entertain and interesting chatter fills the air. Òran Mór's Whisky Bar is a top taste of Scottish life.

The Bon Accord

153 North StreetGlasgowG3 7DA

The place to drink for a city that likes a good drink, The Bon Accord might appear to the hangout out of bikers but in fact it's the spiritual den for Glasgow whisky drinkers. On the extensive wooden gantries, curious characters will find well over 200 whiskies.

Friendly service, wooden floors, comfy arm chairs and a host of curios await you in this tranquil pub. A short stroll from the impressive Mitchell Library, the traditional Scottish pub also offers a tremendous range of proper ales, careful sourced from local breweries. Sitting at one of the tables named after Scottish distilleries is a nice touch, while savouring a special dram in the Bon Accord is a very nice way to spend a day.